Justė Jocytė is back from the FIBA break, and she’s feeling “much more confident” than before. That’s the word from the 20-year-old Valkyries guard herself, and coach Natalie Nakase sees it too: Jocytė “talks a lot more, now,” with the difference apparent to everyone. This shift couldn’t come at a better time for Golden State, who are staring down a final four-game sprint before the postseason still limited with their rotation.
The Rookie’s Tough Start
It hasn’t been an easy inaugural WNBA season for the Valkyries’ first-ever draft pick, taken fifth overall in 2025. Despite an “on-tempo game” that captivated veteran teammates behind the scenes, Tiffany Hayes even wondered if they call her “the Jordan of Lithuania” over there. Jocytė has played sparingly. She’s been subject to trade rumors and has played more than 10 minutes in a game just four times on this uber-deep Valkyries squad. She’d admit it’s been a challenge, feeling “Europe-sick” sometimes and working with Nakase’s stay-ready group for a shot that just hadn’t materialized. Life here in the United States, while liked, felt different. Even her three-year-old Russian Blue cat, JJ, with a mind of her own, typically preferred the outdoors back in Lithuania.
Reset, Recharge, Ready for Minutes
That all changed during the WNBA’s three-week break for the women’s FIBA World Cup. Jocytė returned home to Lithuania, where she finally managed to control the impossible: JJ actually slept in her room. “She did it,” Jocytė beamed. She reset, hung out with JJ, and slept in her own bed. Now, with top scorers Gabby Williams and Janelle Salaün missing Friday’s matchup with the 16-25 Portland Fire for rest after playing for France in the World Cup, and key starter Cecilia Zandalasini also out after playing for Italy, a “boatload of minutes” could open up. Jocytė even played a career-high 21 minutes in the final game before the break on August 30, with all three already out. Nakase is pushing her stay-ready group: “Now that you do have minutes, you gotta empty that tank… It’s a challenge, but I know she’s ready.”
This final stretch is huge. For Jocytė, it will likely serve as a prove-it preview come 2027, given Golden State’s deep rotation. But right now, with players resting and minutes on the table, her newfound confidence and readiness are exactly what the Valkyries need to finish strong. The clock is ticking, and it’s time to see what this rookie can truly do.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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